NBA Yenagoa Deepens Partnership With Security Agencies
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that In a move to deepen institutional collaboration and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to justice, national security, and public safety, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has paid a series of high-level courtesy visits to key security agencies in Bayelsa State.
The Branch, led by its Chairman, Clement B. Kekemeke, Esq., engaged with the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Adedapo Amao, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Prince I. Abosi, at their respective Command Headquarters in Yenagoa.
During both visits, Mr. Kekemeke expressed gratitude for the audience granted to the NBA delegation. He referenced their previous interaction with the DSS Director during the distressing period surrounding the kidnap of Hon. Justice E. G. Omukoro, expressing relief at meeting under calmer circumstances. The Chairman consistently emphasized the critical need for sustained synergy between the legal community and all security agencies, particularly the DSS in combating crime.
Mr. Kekemeke passionately called for mutual respect towards legal practitioners in the course of their professional duties, urging security personnel to view them as partners in progress rather than adversaries. He advocated for the swift and diligent prosecution of suspects to serve as strong deterrents and uphold the rule of law.
In his conversation with the FRSC, Kekemeke underscored the importance of effective enforcement of their mandate regarding the lawful prosecution of traffic offenders, and raised concerns about the unlawful seizure of vehicle documents and imposition of fines without due process, urging strict adherence to legal authority and judicial recourse. The NBA also proposed deeper collaboration, including the incorporation of FRSC officers into relevant NBA committees and the Branch’s willingness to provide pro bono legal services where necessary, alongside ensuring justice and compensation for victims of road traffic crashes.
In his response, Mr. Adedapo Amao of the DSS warmly welcomed the NBA delegation, commending Mr. Kekemeke’s leadership. He acknowledged the Bar’s strong show of support during the unfortunate kidnapping incident and reiterated the DSS’s commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with the legal community. Mr. Amao encouraged continued cooperation in the prosecution of criminal cases and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to ridding society of criminal elements.
Similarly, FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Prince I. Abosi, thanked the NBA Yenagoa Branch for the thoughtful visit and acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Corps and the legal community. He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the NBA on all fronts, expressing appreciation for the Bar’s willingness to provide legal guidance and public advocacy in road safety enforcement. In a progressive gesture, he proposed the creation of a dedicated unit within the Corps to be manned by members of the NBA Yenagoa Branch as Special Corps Marshals, aimed at further integrating the Bar into road safety education and enforcement efforts.
The NBA Chairman’s entourage for these significant visits included: NBA delegation included the Vice Chairman, Beimonyo Vivien Brisibe PhD; Secretary, Timipa Henry Theophilus, Esq.; Provost, Nathaniel Lokoson, Esq., Rev. Godfrey Otiotio (Ex Officio); Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Yenagoa Branch, Funakpo D. Gita, Esq., Chairman of the Publicity Committee, Nelson Abali, Esq.; Social Secretary, Gloria I. Owen; Financial Secretary, Ebitaritari J. Allison and Theresa Ebi Tobuyei Esq amongst others.
